Honoring the Cave Creek victims 30 years later
Remembering the Cave Creek victims remains a poignant tribute on the 30th anniversary of the tragedy. Thirty years ago, a poorly-constructed viewing platform at Cave Creek on the West Coast collapsed, leading to the deaths of 13 Tai Poutini Polytechnic students and a Department of Conservation worker, with four others sustaining severe injuries from the 40-meter plunge. To honor the memory of those lost, families are set to hold a private memorial on April 28, while former polytech students are planning a reunion on the coast this weekend.
Reflecting on the life her brother Kit Pawsey could have lived, Fleur Pawsey remembers his passion for outdoor adventures, particularly rock climbing and skiing. Kit, who was only 17, moved to Greymouth in 1995 to study adventure tourism. Despite his love for the course and the joy it brought him, the tragedy that unfolded due to the platform collapse forever altered the lives of those close to him. Pawsey emphasized the unbearable loss of losing loved ones in such preventable circumstances, particularly considering the inherent risks involved in the outdoor activities they were passionate about.
The grief felt by survivors and families persists, with the tragedy leading to lasting changes within the Department of Conservation. Fleur noted the systemic improvements and safety measures implemented as a result of the disaster, ensuring the protection and security of individuals using DOC structures. Simon Barr, one of the audio students at Tai Poutini Polytech in 1995, recalled the somber day when news of the collapse spread throughout the campus, recollecting the shock, grief, and unity that followed among students as they grappled with the loss.
Over the years, numerous safety protocols have been instated within the polytech, including mandatory satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and satellite communication devices for outdoor recreation students. These measures are crucial for immediate access to emergency services in remote areas or in the absence of cell phone reception. As Tai Poutini Polytechnic and the Department of Conservation continue to address the lessons learned from the Cave Creek tragedy, the annual gathering at the Cave Creek memorial garden is an essential act of remembrance and reflection.
The enduring commitment and support of the families affected by the disaster have played a pivotal role in fostering positive changes within the Department of Conservation and the educational institutions involved. Department of Conservation director-general Penny Nelson acknowledged the invaluable collaboration and the dedication shown by families throughout the years in driving systemic improvements. As DOC staff, family members, and community members prepare to revisit Cave Creek, this solemn journey symbolizes a shared commitment to remembering the lives lost and striving for a safer future in the realm of outdoor recreation and conservation.